I rarely discuss politics. Perhaps it is because I often disagree with what is commonly said. It's not a reason not to talk about the disagreements, of course, but I like to avoid the conflict when I can. My strategy of avoidance, I know, will only be a temporary one. I knowingly put the conflict aside until a time of maturity, a time when the benefits of the resolution of differences outweighs the costs of the conversation. So today I make an experiment in my blog, and raise a political topic which has found its way again into my thoughts. Consider this quote by a well-known AI scientist, mathematician and rationalist:
"The substance of a democracy is the specific mechanism that resolves
policy conflicts. If all groups had the same preferred policies, there
would be no need for democracy—we would automatically cooperate." --Eliezer Yudkowsky
Now read the quote again, but substituting 'government' for 'democracy'. Does having a successful community/nation rely more upon mutual policy agreement, or upon having an adequate mechanism for resolving disputes (an adequate government)? Promoter of good government have an interest in convincing people that government is necessary absolutely, but government as a mechanism of conflict resolution is clearly not necessary amidst a people who have no conflicts, and is little necessary for a people with few conflicts. Consider this quote by Joseph Smith, Founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in response to the (paraphrased) question, "How are you, one man, able to govern so many people so effectively?":
"I teach the people correct principles, and they govern themselves."
Is it the best we can do solely to promote the right kind of national government? Or is it a time to remind ourselves that the better we govern ourselves -- our inner selves, our interpersonal relationships, our families, our communities, our cities and counties and states -- the less need we have for government on a higher level? (I am setting aside international relations for brevity's sake.)
Governments resolve conflict, but we pay a price in taxes, displacement of labor from the work force, and less-than-ideal compromises. They have assisted us through the centuries, but they are not sufficient. The quest of government, the quest for lasting peace and prosperity, takes peace, love, trust, understanding, and every true principle, and it starts within the minds and hearts of people like you and me.
